Ah, the new year is finally here. It’s a new start, a clean slate and a fresh new page. So in celebration of this, I decided to share with you a formula for setting fitness goals that you would actually achieve. I call it S.M.A.R.T. goal setting: S: specific, M: measurable, A: attainable, R: realistic, T: time-bound. Let’s take a typical new-year resolution: “I want to lose weight and be healthy” and try to apply the S.M.A.R.T. approach to modify it. Specific: “I want to lose 15 lbs” or “I want to start going to the gym 3 times a week” Make it a clear and specific goal. Measurable: Write it down. Keeping a simple log actually helps you stay on track.

Attainable:Make it feasible. Start with something you can achieve immediately (or relatively soon), like going to the gym twice a week or stop drinking soda.

Realistic: Be honest with yourself. Don’t expect extra weight to simply melt off. Allow time and be patient.

Time-bound:Have short, intermediate, and long-term goals. Short Term: Up to 12 weeks. Intermediate: 3-6 months, and Long Term is 1 year and beyond.

So, what are you waiting for? Write your resolutions down, then put your sneakers on and start turning them into reality.